Out of the Mire: Rising from the Slough of Despond

Finding God’s Grace When Despair Pulls You Under

Scripture Reference: – Psalm 40:2

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand”

Good evening brothers & sisters in Christ, – I was off the air since last week, as Cynthia and I pulled off a major traveling venture, one that we were not sure would work out. Although there were some rough moments. God was good and gracious and we had a blessed time this past week visiting the town that I grew up in, – Colorado Springs.

I have always wanted to show Cynthia many amazing sites of Colorado and months ago, before my spinal cord surgery, she booked a trip on Amtrak Vacations. The question of concern was, could I stand up to two 33 hr train rides? (Editor: Central Pain Syndrome)

Bottom line, despite some long nights aboard the train when the burning was not good, the Lord gave me the grace and strength to endure and we had a wonderful time in Denver and Colorado Springs. ​​The trip was capped off with a wonderful opportunity to spend time with dear friends, Tony & Vickie, - a couple we first met in the ministry back in 1972 and served together for many years. They moved to Co. Springs some years ago and have been richly blessed ever since. It was wonderful getting caught up along with sharing old memories. We hope to make this trip again sometime in the future, the Lord willing.

OK, tonight’s devotional was put together after receiving a letter from a brother here in CA that I’ve been writing to for quite a few years, who found himself in some deep trouble. His name is Stephen and this was what I sent to him, along with some personal notes.

Introduction

Have you ever felt like you were drowning in your own guilt, past mistakes, depression, or failure—too weighed down to move forward, too ashamed to lift your eyes to Heaven? If so, you’ve walked through the Slough of Despond.

Over 300 years ago, John Bunyan penned The Pilgrim’s Progress, an allegory that has comforted, corrected, and guided Christians for centuries. An allegory is a story where characters, places, and events represent deeper spiritual truths. Bunyan’s book is a symbolic journey of a man named Christian who sets out from the City of Destruction to reach the Celestial City, which represents Heaven. Every stop along the way is loaded with meaning—and none more than the Slough of Despond.

Early in his journey, after being warned of judgment and urged to flee to the Wicket Gate (Christ), Christian begins running with a heavy burden on his back. But before he gets far, he falls into a deep, muddy swamp—the Slough of Despond. He sinks under the weight of his own guilt, fear, and despair. It's only with the help of a man named "Help" that he is pulled out and continues his journey.

This scene has spoken to countless believers who, like Christian, find themselves stuck in emotional, mental, or spiritual despair. Many prisoners like my friend Stephen know this swamp firsthand. Guilt over past crimes, betrayal by friends or family, spiritual confusion, and a sense of hopelessness all pull like quicksand. But praise God—there is Help, and there is hope.

What Is the Slough of Despond?

The Slough of Despond represents that overwhelming despair that comes when we first realize the depth of our sin and the hopelessness of our condition apart from Christ. It's also symbolic of the inner struggle many believers face even after being saved—times when guilt, discouragement, and grief swamp our faith.

Though Bunyan’s slough is fictional, the experience is very REAL...

● It's that feeling after falling back into sin and wondering if God will still have you.

● It’s the crushing sense of regret when you remember what your actions cost others.

● It’s the silence of unanswered prayers and the shame of wondering if you’re still His child.

Is the Slough of Despond of Divine Origin?

Yes and no. God is not the author of despair—but He may allow it to show us what’s really inside us. He uses it to expose our weakness so we will stop depending on ourselves and begin crying out to Him.

When Christian cried out, Help came. And when you cry out, Jesus comes. The Holy Spirit is called the “Helper” (John 14:26), and He lifts us out of the muck and sets our feet on the Rock of Christ.

This is exactly what David experienced in Psalm 40:2. God didn’t just tell him to climb out—He lifted him out. That’s grace. That’s mercy. That’s your God.

—but He does allow us to walk through dark valleys to strip us of self-reliance and push us to Christ. Psalm 119:71 says, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” Sometimes we need a little Divine Mercy in a Muddy Pit.

The Slough of Despond teaches us to stop trusting in our own strength and to cry out for Help, just as Christian did. God permits these valleys not to destroy us, but to deliver us. The enemy wants to drown us in despair. God wants to meet us in the swamp and lift us up.

Why Do Believers Fall into the Slough?

Here are just a few causes:

● Unrepented sin that festers into guilt.

●   Lack of assurance of salvation.

●   Listening to the lies of Satan more than the promises of God.

●   Exhaustion from trying to earn God’s love instead of receiving it freely in Christ.

●   Deep wounds and losses that shake our faith.

Many prisoners live with all of the above. The question is not whether you’ll find yourself in the Slough, but what you’ll do when you do.

Why Do So Many Stay There So Long?

The problem isn’t just falling into despair—it’s living there.

Some people pitch a tent in the slough. They stay because:

●   They believe the lie that God won’t forgive them.

●   They don’t cry out for help.

●   They feel unworthy of mercy.

●   They let shame paralyze them.

But let me say it clearly: God does not abandon His children in the slough. He hears your cry. He sees your struggle. And He sends help.

When Despondency is Discipline

But there’s another hard truth that must be faced—one many believers know deep in their hearts:
 Some of us are stuck in the Slough of Despond not because we turned our backs on God, but because we slowly drifted from Him.


We didn’t outright rebel—we just took Him for granted. We stopped reading the Word. We stopped seeking Him in prayer. We gave in to compromise. And though we still wore the name Christian, our hearts were far from Him.

And so, in His love, God humbles us.

He lets us feel the weight of poor decisions. He allows us to taste the bitter fruit of disobedience—not to destroy us, but to discipline us and draw us back. The slough becomes a furnace of reproof, a place where idols are exposed, pride is broken, and dependence on God is restored.

“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” — Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)

This refining process can feel like punishment, but it is proof of sonship. The pain won’t last forever, but it will be used by God for your good. He wants your full heart again—not just your Sunday worship, but your daily walk.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6

That verse isn’t a pretty plaque for the wall—it’s a command for every single day. Trust Him not just when it’s easy or convenient. Trust Him when the mud is thick, when your prayers are dry, when your past haunts you. Acknowledge Him in all your ways—even in prison, even in pain—and He will guide you back to solid ground.

Honoring God in the Slough

We don’t just get out of the Slough of Despond by begging for escape—we get out by returning to honor. God’s Word tells us clearly:

“Those who honor Me, I will honor; but those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” — 1 Samuel 2:30

We cannot expect God's blessings while dishonoring Him with our lives. If you want to be lifted out of the pit, you must lift up the name of the Lord—not just with your lips, but with your thoughts, words, and deeds. Not just when life is sweet, but when it's bitter. Not just when you're on the mountaintop, but when you're in the mire.

God honors those who honor Him—faithfully, daily, and fully.

So if your time in the Slough of Despond is stretching on, ask yourself:
Am I truly honoring God with my life? Or have I treated Him casually, only turning to Him when I need something?

This is your moment to repent, return, and recommit.

Divine Mercy in a Muddy Pit

Is the Slough of Despond from God? Not directly. God is not the author of despair—but He may allow it to show us what’s really inside us. He uses it to expose our weakness so we will stop depending on ourselves and begin crying out to Him.

When Christian cried out, Help came. And when you cry out, Jesus comes. The Holy Spirit is called the “Helper” (John 14:26), and He lifts us out of the muck and sets our feet on the Rock of Christ.

This is exactly what David experienced in Psalm 40:2. God didn’t just tell him to climb out—He lifted him out. That’s grace. That’s mercy. That’s your God.

How Do We Get Out?

1. Call for Help – As Christian did, we must humble ourselves and cry out. God sends the Holy Spirit, the Helper, to lift us up.

2. Cling to the Promises of God – Psalm 40:2 is for you: He lifts the humble.

3. Refuse to Trust Your Feelings – The swamp is deep, but it’s not endless. Feelings lie; God’s Word doesn’t.

4. Keep Moving Forward – Don’t settle in the Slough. It’s a temporary pit, not your permanent place.

5. Let the Word of God Cleanse You – Jeremiah 15:16 says, “Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name,” O Lord God of hosts.was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.” Fill your mind with truth, not mud.

How Can We Avoid It?

●   Daily confession and repentance.

●   Reminding yourself of your identity in Christ—you are no longer condemned (Romans 8:1).

●   Having godly brothers in the faith who can pray with you and encourage you.

●   Soaking in God’s Word every day. The more you know His voice, the less power despair has over you.

●   Recognizing that God’s grace is greater than your worst moment

Final Thought:

The Slough of Despond may be deep and dark, but it is not your grave. Christ walked through Gethsemane’s agony and Calvary’s cross so that you would never have to stay stuck in despair. He does not wait for you to clean yourself up. He comes right into the mud, lifts you out, washes you off, and walks with you.

So whether you’re in a prison cell or simply imprisoned by your past, look up. Cry out. Reach for the hand of Help.The same God who raised Christ from the grave can raise you from the muck.

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you ever experienced your own “Slough of Despond”? What led you there?

2. What lies have you believed while in that place?

3. What does Psalm 40:2 say about God’s desire to rescue you?

4. What practical steps can you take this week to avoid falling back into despair?

5. Who can you encourage today that may be stuck in their own Slough?

To Memorize

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
— Psalm 40:2

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Father,

I come before You from the depths of my own Slough of Despond. The weight of my sin, regret, and shame has sunk me low, and I confess that I cannot climb out on my own. I have tried, Lord, but the more I struggle in my strength, the deeper I fall.

But I remember the promise of Your Word: that You lift the broken from the pit, that You set our feet on the solid Rock, and that You, O Lord, are my ever-present Help in time of need.

Stretch out Your hand to me now. Cleanse me from the filth that clings to my soul. Break the chains of guilt and despair. Wash me in the blood of Jesus, and give me the strength to press on toward the Celestial City with my eyes fixed on You.

Lord, help me to never forget that You are not repelled by my mess—You are drawn to it. You are the Friend of the fallen, the Savior of the sinking, the Restorer of the broken. Thank You for never giving up on me, even when I gave up on myself.

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Let the light of Your grace burn brighter than the lies of the enemy. And when I see others trapped in their own mire, make me an instrument of Your mercy, extending my hand as You once extended Yours to me.

And thank you Father for coming alongside Stephen, my friend who this night finds himself languishing in the slough. May he realize the truth that your grace is sufficient for him.

Until that day when we finally see You face to face, keep us walking forward—even if it’s limping, even if it’s crawling—with my eyes on the cross and my heart set on heaven.

In the mighty and merciful name of Jesus,


Amen!

From: Fight the Good Fight of Faith / Life Journal: By Gregg Harris